News 2011: Airwaves Racing Hunting Home Track Victory

Airwaves Racing are hoping to get their 2011 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season off to a spectacular start at their home track Brands Hatch this coming weekend 2nd – 3rd April.

With the Kent track less than a mile from the team's workshop, the Motorbase run outfit have a successful history at the Indy circuit layout and will be looking to emulate previous season's results with their new NGTC powered Ford Focus cars.

Following an extensive pre-season testing programme at Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Silverstone, David Bartrum's team would certainly welcome a repeat of last years season opener at Thruxton which saw the team claim their first ever 1-2 finish. Speaking at the team's final test on Tuesday, he said: "I'm happy with the testing we've done. It's not all about lap times it is about learning the car and using the testing time wisely. It seems as though the winter has gone on forever so we are really looking forward to Brands Hatch and I'm sure the little red devils will go well."

Commenting on their new driver line up he added: "Liam (Griffin) has impressed us and I think he will surprise a few people. We have got two great drivers, one is still learning in Liam and then we've got Mat (Jackson) who seems to be really at home in this Ford Focus. Bring on Brands Hatch."

With Mat Jackson back in the seat for Airwaves this season and his return to a front wheel drive, both he and the team are firmly set on a serious challenge to the title. "Everybody here at Airwaves Racing is behind us to challenge for the championship," Jackson confirmed. "It's certainly the right step going to the Ford Focus but a championship comes down to more than just being quick, you have to be consistent too. The title is a long way ahead that is certainly the goal. It's going to be interesting at Brands Hatch and it is about time we get the show on the road. I've got to thank all the guys at Airwaves Racing for getting this car ready."

Warwickshire based Jackson is joined this season by Porsche Carrera Cup graduate, Liam Griffin. Having made the step up this season from racing in the Carrera and VW cup championships previously, he's looking forward to making his BTCC debut at Brands this weekend. Asked about his thoughts on the new challenge ahead, he said: "I've raced in the VW Cup and that is a very good place to learn front wheel drive. The cars in the BTCC are quicker, but they are not a million miles away so I'm feeling confident. A point in any race would be good but gathering points is a realistic target after the pace we produced at Silverstone."

The opening three rounds of the season take place at Brands Hatch on 2nd – 3rd April. Live coverage of Sunday's events will be shown on ITV4, itv.com and also in HD from 11.30am – 6pm, with itv.com featuring live streaming online of Saturdays qualifying session between 3.40 and 4.10pm.